• No, unfortunately we do not sell to customers direct from the factory or warehouse. We firmly believe that our boots and shoes need to come with good advice which you can only get from specialist dealers.

I have decided on a particular style, but do not know where I can get it. What can I do?

• Even though a style of boot may be delivered to your dealer in large quantities, your size may sell out quickly. Unfortunately we cannot guarantee the availability of a particular style in a particular color in your size. If you tell us your postcode, we can give you details of individual dealers in your area, who will be pleased to either order this model from us, if it is available, or show you some alternatives.
  

The soles of my Lowa boots are worn, but I would like to keep wearing them. What can I do?

• The possibility of resoling a Lowa boot or shoe primarily depends on its “design type”. If the soles are glued in place, they can be replaced easily. This is normally possible in the case of all Lowa alpine, backpacking and trekking boots. If so, your Lowa specialist dealer will take your boots in and forward them to us, where they will be re-soled using original parts at cost price. It may be possible that the relevant original soles are no longer available, in which case they will be replaced with materials of at least equal quality (not available to northamerican customers).
  Find your local Dealer here.
  By contrast it is not possible to re- sole our shoes which are moulded directly onto the upper (All Terrain Collection, Outdoor Fitness, Trek & Travel).
  
  (not available to northamerican customers)
  

What is the warranty period for my Lowa shoes or boots?

• We give you a 24-month warranty in respect of materials and manufacturing defects. Any defects which arise during this period are dealt with by us within the scope of our general warranty terms and conditions. Unfortunately we are unable to accept responsibility for damage caused by improper care and inappropriate wear and tear, although in most cases we are willing to repair such damage at cost price.
  

My Lowa boot is faulty and I am not sure if this is a mater for the warranty or a justified complaint. How should I proceed?

• Please show your Lowa specialist dealer any faults of this kind, together with your proof of purchase. It is best if you go to the Lowa dealer from whom you originally purchased your boots (although this is not essential, e.g. if you live too far away from the place where you bought them). The dealer is usually the contact for such cases, and with his specialist knowledge is the best person to advise what should be done, and whether your boots should be returned to the manufacturer for repair.

How should I care for my Lowa boots?

• Please refer to the detailed care section under “Service/care”.
  

How do I find out my correct shoe size?

• Please see the detailed description under “Service/size table”.
  

What do terms such as “AWP”, “Dri-Lex®”, “C4”, etc. mean?

• You will find detailed explanations of these technical terms in the Technical section of this website.
  

What is a last, and what is the difference between a men’s and women’s last?

• A last is the term used for the foot-shaped wooden or plastic mould which forms the inside shape of the boot or shoe during production. The last is essentially responsible for the fit and comfort of the boot or shoe. LOWA women’s lasts are basically a little narrower around the ball of the foot, have a higher instep and a narrower ankle.
  
  

What parts make up a trekking boot?
Here is the material composition of a typical LOWA trekker (1 pair of size 8s):

• Leather: 30 pieces
  
• Reinforcement: 42 pieces
  
• Metal parts: 110 pieces
  
• Thread: approx. 65m
  
• Sole parts: 10 pieces
  
• Adhesive: approx. 200g
  
• Total: 192 pieces, 65m thread, 200g adhesive
  
  
  

What are the stages in the manufacture of a hiking/trekking boot?

1. Leather evaluation: sorting and distribution
   
2. Punching the shoe pieces: upper leather pieces, lining pieces, padding pieces, reinforcement pieces, etc.
   
3. Preparation: preparation of the individual pieces: stamping, sharpening (making edges thinner), equalisation (making all pieces exactly the same thickness), coloring the edges, pressing (reinforcement pieces)
   
4. Sewing: sewing the pieces together
   
5. Glueing: glueing the padding pieces in place
   
6. Riveting: riveting the metal parts (hooks and eyes)
   
7. Quality control of the upper (= shoe/boot without last and before attachment of insole/sole)
   
8. Preparation of sole: roughening, pretreatment
   
9. Fixing sole to the edge of the upper
   
10. Shaping the end of the upper (shaping on the last by drawing, fixing the insole to the edge of the upper)
    
11. Shaping the ankle area (glueing or tacking the back part of the upper to the insole)
    
12. Roughening the sole area
    
13. Glueing the rubber rand in place
    
14. Glueing the sole in place
    
15. Finishing the shoe/boot
    
16. Finish: Quality control
    
17. Spraying on the final treatment
    
18. Threading the laces
    
19. inserting the inner sole
    
20. Fixing the label in place
    
21. Packing and despatch
    
    
    More detailed descriptions and photos can be found in the Making Of / Trekking section.